U.S. Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Former Haitian President Michel Martelly for Drug Trafficking

The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Tuesday, August 20, that it has imposed sanctions on former Haitian President Michel Martelly for his involvement in drug trafficking, including cocaine, destined for the United States.

Martelly, who served as Haiti's president from 2011 to 2016 and was previously a prominent musician, is accused of using his political influence to facilitate the trafficking of illicit drugs. The Treasury Department's statement outlines Martelly's alleged involvement in laundering drug proceeds, collaborating with local drug traffickers, and supporting various gangs operating in Haiti.

This move by the U.S. follows similar sanctions imposed by Canada in 2022 against Martelly and two former Haitian prime ministers. These sanctions reflect increasing international concern over the involvement of political figures in Haiti's deepening crisis.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has been experiencing a severe crisis exacerbated by escalating gang violence. In Port-au-Prince, criminal groups now control around 80% of the city, leading to widespread violence, including murder, rape, and kidnapping for ransom. The nation's political, social, and economic stability has been severely compromised.

The situation in Haiti worsened significantly in February, prompting the resignation of then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry under pressure from armed groups. In response to the crisis, an international effort led by Kenya has seen hundreds of police officers deployed to Haiti to help restore order.

Bradley Smith, the Treasury’s acting under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, stated that the sanctions against Martelly underscore the significant and destabilizing role played by corrupt political elites in the ongoing crisis in Haiti. He emphasized that the U.S. is committed to holding accountable those who contribute to gang violence and political instability.

U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel echoed this sentiment, asserting that the sanctions represent the U.S.’s “unwavering resolve to promote accountability for all individuals whose activities contribute to gang violence and destabilize Haiti's political environment, regardless of their rank or stature.”